FASHION TRACKS: Ichyulu launch

FROM LEFT: Diana Opoti wearing a Christine Mhando design at the show and Fashion designer Nguhi Mwaura of ‘Neema’ collections didn’t miss out. PHOTOS| CHARLES KAMAU

What you need to know:

  • Some of the designers on the Ichyulu platform include Christie Brown, Katungulu Mwendwa, Lalesso and of course Chichia London whose main focus has always been on making well designed clothes that are timeless and transcend seasons.

  • Have a great week beautiful people.

Ichyulu announced the launch of its online retail concept store with Kikulacho Kinguoni Mwako (What’s eating you is in your dress) a fashion art installation at Circle Art Gallery that ran through the weekend.

Ichyulu is an online concept store offering select edits from African designers. Based in Nairobi, it aims to provide a curated retail experience for those who seek unique pieces to match their individual style.

In collaboration with designer Chichia London and Arieta Mujay, the installation explored Chichia London’s use of khanga as a communication tool. From the use of discarded khanga pieces converted into patchwork designs to the creation of bespoke designs, the fashion art installation highlighted the khanga’s transformation from a piece of fabric into items of clothing.

Christine Mhando is a Tanzanian-born, London-based designer. She launched Chichia London, the ready to wear label that bears her childhood nickname, in 2007 as an amalgamation of both continents and cultures from which she was born and raised. Chichia London’s signature transpires from the artful application of the ‘khanga’, a traditional East African cotton-printed fabric. As an international African brand, it modernizes and transforms traditional East African textiles into stylish, contemporary and fashionable attire.

Arieta Mujay who is currently Head of Communications for Boohoo.com is a creative consultant who has worked in the fashion industry in the UK and across Africa over the last 15 years. A former Head of PR for River Island, she worked on the River Island

collaboration with Rihanna and was hand-picked by Rihanna to go on the 777 tour. Also a contributor for Cosmopolitan Magazine’s online platform, she’s a mentor to young businesses and an avid supporter of female empowerment.

Part of the ethos of Ichyulu is providing a platform for fashion collaborations. Their first project with Velma Rossa and Papa Petite of 2ManySiblings called “Inside/Outside” created a series of images using pieces from Ichyulu that were also on display at the

fashion installation.

Some of the designers on the Ichyulu platform include Christie Brown, Katungulu Mwendwa, Lalesso aand of course Chichia London whose main focus has always been on making well designed clothes that are timeless and transcend seasons.

Have a great week beautiful people.

@MissAngelsmile